RECENT AND FUTURE-DEVELOPMENT IN STEELMAKING TECHNOLOGY

The development of the Bessemer process more than 100 years ago was a revolution in steelmaking technology. Today there is a second revolution going on with the development of processes for smelting reduction and near net shape casting. These technologies will reduce the specific investment cost which means that competitive plants can be built on a smaller scale. New mini-mills based on new technology and very efficient flexible organisations will be a strong competitor for existing integrated plants based on conventional technology. The cost for research and development, especially development of new process technologies, will increase in the future. Therefore some projects will be done on a national and international basis. National borders will present no obstacles for such joint research.